Orlando, FL – In a morning reception alongside leaders of Orlando’s LGBTQ and ally community, Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) was recognized at theLGBT+ Center’s 6th Annual Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and Awardswith their Champion for Equality Award for his relentless and unapologetic advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ community.

Additional awards were presented to honorees Chief John Mina, Blue Star, and Sam Singhaus, also famously known as “Miss Sammy.” The reception was hosted by Moira of104.1 Radio, WFTV anchor Jorge Esteves provided the key note.

The Orlando LGBT+ Centerpromotes and empowers the LGBT+ Community and its allies through information, education, advocacy and support. The organization aims to transform the community by inspiring and connecting people and organizations, promoting acceptance and inclusion, empowering them to achieve their potential. During the Pulse tragedy, the Center served as a hub for rapid response, donations, and services. This year marks the LGBT Center’s 40th anniversary.

Rep. Smith offered the following statement:

“I am extremely humbled to be recognized by an organization that has done incredible work in our community. During our darkest moments, The Center served as a hub for rapid response, inclusion, and compassion. I remain committed to my role as an advocate for the LGBTQ community, fighting for nondiscrimination policies, passing common sense gun control, and helping to eradicate the HIV epidemic once and for all. I’m proud to partner with The Center on this critical work.”

Robin Gow is an English Major at Ursinus College with minors in Creative Writing and Spanish. He’s an out bisexual trans man and also works as his campus LGBT+ resource coordinator. In his spare time he also runs his own poetry blog.

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